Photographer's Note

this is kilshannig pier, situated on brandon bay, on the northern shores of the dingle peninsula in county kerry.

it was early evening in the middle of the summer, yet the pier was empty, the sea was still and the little harbour seemed quite eerie with the boats sitting about unaccompanied as though left behind in a deserted village.

Yes, this place does look deserted - almost abandoned. And, if the "clock" in your camera is correct, this was taken around 8 p.m. on a summer's evening - not too late at all. Perhaps all the fishermen were in the local pub?

Your use of an ultra-wide lens has given this picture impact and drama as well as fabulous depth of field and stunning sharpness throughout. The composition is superb too with two strong diagonal "lines of force" leading us to the distant horizon - the first from bottom right along the lines of the boat in the foreground and the lines in the concrete on the ground to the red/black boat - and the second from that point along the line of the harbour wall all the way off to the distant boats and the horizon. Like a huge "Z". A very strong composition which you have obviously taken time to study when you took this shot.

The exposure is spot-on (I suspect you might have used a ND grad filter for this one as you have in many previous pictures), the lighting is lovely, the colours vibrant and the sharpness excellent.

Great subjects, great shot. These old boats are so characteristic and such nice nod to Ireland's past. I love the saturation and textures. The light is so even, you;ve exposed this so well. I hope you don't mind me asking if this was a merge of 2 or three exposures? I don't mean HDR, but a merge of the foreground and the BG as I would have expected there to be a lot more shade in the FG. In any event, the shot is superb, and I'd love to know your secret. Thanks for sharing and I hope you're not up too late burning the midnight oil (I have with all the Olympics events and the time difference)

Your notes confirm the atmosphere achieved by your photograph. There is a lovely tranquility as we follow the lead of the rowing boats towards the empty harbour and the calm sea. Fine, sensitive composition, great light control and a lovely dof.

Hello Brian - There are some wonderful little details in this shot. The overall composition is lovely and nicely managed with good textural detail in the FG. What caught my eye though was the sliver of sunlight on the left horizon and the bobbing boats on the right. Lovely light reflections on the sea too! A fine piece of work. Warm regards Rosemary

Exactly a very quiet moment the fishers are exactly to a break take.
Excellent clear and plesant for look at.
Perfectly depth and perspective image.
Composition and colors are pleasant.
Very well done, TFS.

Hello Brian,
The light is very special giving a beautiful clarity. I especially like the colour and sheen to the water. The boats in the FG with their touches of brightly coloured paint make strong subjects. You have cleverly taken the picture so that the eyes are taken from these boats and along the pier to the distance and that lovely sky. An immaculate presetation - brilliant!
Kind Regards, Ann

Hello
I love fishing,boats and fishermen
this shot has a particular beauty
taken from an excellent point of view
I love the saturation and textures
there is a lovely tranquility in
this atmosphere dominating the
picture and leading to the end of
the harbour
great work
have a nice Sunday
regards
Costantino

Hi Brian
i'm certainly beginning to see a certain style to your photos!
a style thats easily recognizable, and this photo is a good example of that.
its great to be able to see the textures inside the boat, and how the clouds seem to be pushing down on everything below.
i feel squeezed :)
fine shot
cheers
craig